Tested Positive for Group-B Strep

Congrats on your new baby!! Don't worry about the Group B strep since you are having a c-section. I was positive too. When I went into labor, they gave me antibiotics then. But after pushing and pushing, I ended up having a c-section. So it really didn't matter. It's just something that is in your vagina. So you don't have to worry about it at all if you are having a c-section. The only thing it affects is a vaginal birth. It's not like a cold or something where you would be on antibiotics to clear it up and have to worry about it passing to the baby in breastmilk. It's not like that. Won't affect any of that.
Good luck!

I tested positive with my third child and was put on anti-biotics for two hours before my vaginal delivery. I had no problems breastfeeding. I think the only danger is during a vaginal delivery, where the baby can be exposed to the bacteria. I believe group b strep is just a naturally occuring bacteria that doesn't really pose any health threat, that I was told about. You'll be fine with a c-section, as long as your water doesn't break first. Then you may need anti-biotics. Good luck with the new baby!

Ask to have both you and your son rceieve antibiotics as a precaution.
My oldest 12 year old son was born with Group B strep and was hospitalized for 10 days. It was very scary but as a result My next two children (who I both tested positive for strep with) were C-Section.
The first one, they administered antibiotics at delivery with an IV to be sure he would not acquire the infection. This put my mind at ease and it also kept him healthy. I was able to breast feed with no concerns of contaminating him. But I do have to say I was also given antibiotics to keep me from getting an internal infection. The antibiotics would not hurt you so I am wondering why they would not want you to have them at delivery?
My third son they did not give me an antibiotic with as I requested. They said they found it wasn't necessary (different doctor). As a result I acquired a staph infection (luckily not MERSA) It took me about an extra 10 days to recover from the C section and was quite painful. When I went back to my old doctor he explainec that the antibiotics at delivery may hav avoided that all together. the staph infection is an infection of the blook that probably cam from a skin infection that contaminated my blood. I showered and used my perionatal bottle all the time so I know it was acquired in the hospital. So not that this will happen to you but why risk it,insist on antibiotics!

On another note all 3 of my kids are just fine!

E.:

no problem with breastfeeding.

P., RLC, IBCLC, CST
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions.

Group B strep is not an infection, just a colonization. The bacteria is present in about 25-40% of the population. It usually presents little risk although it is a common cause of urinary tract infections.

The baby can contract GBS before birth although that's very rare. During delivery it is possible for the baby to contract GBS but it is pretty rare, about 1 in 200 will contract without antibiotics and 20 times less with antibiotics. Even fewer will suffer serious long term effects.

You will be given antibiotics during your c-section anyway so there is no need for additional antibiotics. GBS is transient so even though it may be wiped out at one time it will probably come back later.

Nothing to worry about with breastfeeding, etc. Good luck.

If you're having a c-section, I don't believe this is anything to be concerned about. I was Group B strep positive with my first (but not with my second). As I understand it, this is an innocuous bacteria that lives in the vagina sometimes -- it can come and go. They only time it becomes an issue is that sometimes it can cause a newborn to become seriously ill if exposed to it during childbirth. That is why they give women a course or two of antibiotics before a vaginal delivery. It will have absolutely no effect on your ability to breastfeed.

Congrats on number 2!